JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon has reaffirmed his stance on returning to the office, stating that remote work “doesn’t always work.” His comments come after a heated exchange with an employee at a company town hall, where he dismissed a petition against the firm’s in-office mandate.
JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon Defends Office Return Policy Amid Controversy
Dimon Stands Firm on Office Policy
In a recent interview with CNBC, Dimon acknowledged that some employees prefer remote work but maintained that the company’s decision should prioritize clients and business needs.
“I completely respect people who don’t want to be in the office five days a week. That’s their right,” Dimon said at JP Morgan’s global leveraged finance conference in Miami. “But they should respect that the company decides what’s best for clients and the business, not the individual.”
While he clarified that he is not entirely against remote work, he emphasized that it should only be implemented where it is effective. “I’m not against work from home. I’m against it where it doesn’t work,” he stated.
Response to Leaked Town Hall Audio
Dimon also addressed the controversy surrounding his remarks at a JP Morgan town hall, where leaked audio captured him using expletives in response to an employee’s request to reconsider the office mandate. The employee had argued that remote work was more practical for his team and urged Dimon to let managers decide on work arrangements.
The CEO later admitted that he regretted his harsh language. “I should never curse, ever,” he said. However, he defended his firm stance on the policy, explaining that his frustration stemmed from giving a detailed response to the employee’s question.
Leaked Remarks Spark Global Debate
During the town hall, Dimon reportedly dismissed the employee’s concerns outright, saying, “Don’t waste time on it. I don’t care how many people sign that f****** petition.” The leaked recording, which quickly spread on social media, sparked widespread criticism.
Despite the backlash, Dimon remains resolute in his belief that in-office work is essential for JP Morgan’s success, emphasizing that employees unhappy with the policy are free to seek jobs elsewhere.
